“We were overwhelmed with the generosity of this grant,” said Siegenfeld. “It gives us an enormous boost that will help us meet our operating costs, which include rent, reimbursing volunteer drivers for gas, and purchasing supplemental food at a substantial discount.”

The fund was created 12 years ago to help own members, affiliate members and others in the community who find themselves struggling economically.

“We realize that many people are in need,” said fund president Nancy Pooley. “We aimed to address this with our disbursement of $70,000 in grants to local organizations that help people who most need some help.”